Only Three K9 Valor Awards Given Nationwide

ABOVE VIDEO:On November 20, 2015, Officer Cantalupo and K9 “Jack” were the first to respond to a report of an Armed Robbery to a person on Perimeter Rd in the southeast corner of the Space Coast Regional Airport. This K-9 Team confronted the suspect, who was wanted for multiple stabbbings and during the confrontation “Jack” was stabbed by the suspect. Officer Cantalupo discharged his firearm to stop the deadly threat.

BREVARD COUNTY • TITUSVILLE, FLORIDA – Titusville Police Officer John Cantalupo and K9 dog “Jack” received The North American Police Work Dog Association (NAPWDA) Valor Award at the 2016 NAPWDA National Workshop Awards Banquet in Fort Wayne, Indiana on June 24.

The NAPWDA Valor Award was bestowed to Officer Cantalupo and “Jack” because they displayed great courage in the face of extreme danger.

This recognition is NAPWADA’s highest honor. NAPWDA President, Richard Ashabranner presented the Valor Award to Officer Cantalupo and K9 Valor Award to “Jack” specifically for the event that occurred at 9:45 AM on November 20th 2015.

Back in December. Officer John Cantalup (Second from left) and K9 dog “Jack” were presented a medal and plaque for heroic service from the Police Hall of Fame & Museum. Chief John Lau and Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey were on hand for the presentation.

On that morning Officer Cantalupo and “Jack” were the first to respond to a report of an Armed Robbery to a person on Perimeter Rd in the southeast corner of the Space Coast Regional Airport.

Officer Cantalupo and “Jack” arrived on scene where an adult male robbery victim had been stabbed by an adult male suspect. This K-9 Team confronted the suspect and during the confrontation “Jack” was stabbed by the suspect. Officer Cantalupo discharged his firearm to stop the deadly threat.

K9 Jack being tended to following his stabbing by a local veterinarian. (PBP Image)

Officer Cantalupo was uninjured in the incident. “Jack” was rushed to a local veterinary hospital for emergency treatment, and was relieved of duty to recover fully from his injuries. Thankfully within six weeks, “Jack” was back to work doing the thing he loves the most, protecting the community of Titusville.

These Valor Awards were presented to only three K9 Teams nationwide at this year’s NAPWDA Awards Banquet.

This past May, Ring’s Manufacturings of Melbourne, the parent company for “Blueguns,” donated 31 Ballistic Vests for every K-9 for the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office and local Police Department in Brevard County. (BCSO image)

“We are all so proud of Officer Cantalupo and his K-9 partner Jack for the bravery they displayed in taking a wanted murderer from south Florida who was on a crime spree off of our streets”, said Chief John Lau.

“We are also grateful to NAPWDA for honoring them for the highest level of bravery”, added Lau.